News Release

Halifax Regional Firefighter Combat Challenge Team
Off to Impressive Start

(Wednesday, August 19, 2009) - The Halifax Regional Firefighter Combat Challenge Team is off to an impressive start for the 2009 championship tour. The first stop in Stephenville, Newfoundland had the team return home with a number of medals. The "A" Team captured 1st place in the Team and Relay category, while the "B" Team took 3rd place in team category.

Members then made the trip to Windsor, Ontario this last weekend for a contest that was held in some of the highest temperatures they have ever competed in. In 39 degree weather, the team managed to pull off a 1st place Relay run with a time of 1:06, which is the fastest time recorded by any team so far this season. Firefighter Melanie Edwards finished first place in the female category with a time of 2:43.

The Tandem team of Firefighter Mike Sears and Firefighter Joe Triff finished 1st place with a time of 1:23.40 which is a new world record. This is the second time they broke the tandem world record. Joe Triff also placed 2nd in the open mens division with a personal best time of 1:19.81.

The team is now preparing to head to the New England Classic this weekend in Haverhill, Mass. U.S.A. The goal of the team this year is to have a triple repeat at Canadian Nationals and defend their existing titles. They head to Las Vegas in November to compete at the world championships as one of the top teams in the hunt for a world title.

The Firefighter Combat Challenge is a sport designed for firefighter athletes with the goal of increasing personal fitness among fire departments in North America. The Challenge is very demanding and many participants perform at the level of elite athletes. Firefighters call it the toughest two minutes in sports.

The team is making a very positive name for Halifax on an international stage at a very elite level. Halifax should be proud of their accomplishments.

For a complete listing of results go to www.firefit.com and www.ontargetfirefighterchallenge.com

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For further information contact:
Jeanette McPherson
Public Relations & Community Liaison Coordinator
490-6530 or 225-7432